Scott Hend might have sewn up the Order of Merit already after finishing second in Cambodia last week at the Vattanac Legends Championship Legacy Edition, but the battle for the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award is still very much alive as the Legends Tour season concludes at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius.
Four stand-out performers — Darren Fichardt, David Drysdale, Stephen Gallacher and Matt Cort — remain firmly in contention for the award after impressive debut campaigns that have showcased both the depth and competitiveness of the senior circuit.
The Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award is a fitting tribute to a stalwart of European golf who sadly passed away in 2022. Previous winners include Ian Woosnam, Costantino Rocca and Paul Lawrie. The current holder is Simon Griffiths, who earned his Legends Tour card through Q-School in 2024 and proceeded to finish a remarkable fourth on last year’s Order of Merit.
South Africa’s Darren Fichardt has put himself firmly in the running thanks to a season of sustained excellence and a maiden Legends Tour victory at the Vattanac Legends Championship Legacy Edition in Cambodia. The win capped a strong run that has included a runner-up finish in a play-off at the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in Scotland and a share of second place at the OFX Irish Legends. He currently sits fifth in the Order of Merit.
Reflecting on his Cambodia victory, he said: “To get my first win on the Legends Tour is unbelievable. This is my first one, and hopefully the first of many. The standard out here is just so high and you really have to hit the ground running if you want to compete. I’m really happy with how I’ve played so far and it’s such a relief to have won already.”
Scotland’s David Drysdale has also put together an outstanding rookie year. His emotional victory in Cambodia at the Vattanac Legends Championship – after a 19-year winless spell – lifted him to eighth in the standings, backed up by tied-3rd at the Barbados Legends, tied-7th at the OFX Irish Legends and a three-way tie for 2nd at the Reignwood Legends Championship. “We’re lucky in this sport that you get the chance to compete again at 50,” said Drysdale.
“It’s relaxed, but when the gun goes on a Friday, it’s proper golf. Most of the lads have played hundreds of European Tour events — you don’t do that by accident. The key is staying up there, staying patient, and giving yourself chances – hopefully I can do that again. Now that I’ve got the victory I’d certainly love to add the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award as well.”
2014 Ryder Cup star Stephen Gallacher has produced one of the most consistent debut seasons on Tour, delivering strong performances throughout the year. His results include 8th at the Staysure Marbella Legends on –9 (with three rounds of 69), 5th at the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy on –8, and tied-4th at the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship at Trump International. Gallacher’s reliability, quality of ball-striking and experience under pressure have ensured he remains a major contender for the Rookie of the Year crown heading into Mauritius.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first season on the Legends Tour,” said Gallacher. “I’d love to win out here. I’ve won on the Challenge Tour, I won on the main Tour, so my goal all season has been to try and win. You just want to give yourself a chance coming down the stretch to win. – that’s what we’re all here for.”
“I was good friends with Barry and played with him many times over the years, including here in Mauritius. He was lovely and always very generous with his time and his advice. It’s a really nice touch that the Rookie of the Year award is named in his honour. I’ll need to have a really good week to challenge for the tournament – and if winning the Barry Lane award was a by-product of that I’d be delighted.”
Also in contention is Matt Cort, who earned his Legends Tour card through Q School in January and has since delivered a season of impressive progression and consistency. Reflecting on his debut year, Cort said: “I already knew a lot of the guys … even though I’m out here on my own, I’ve got a great group of lads I hang around with. That’s made a big difference.” He admitted that the season took time to settle: “It started slowly because the schedule was spaced out, and then the second half has been non-stop … but overall, it’s been amazing.”
Cort’s goal this year was simple: to secure his card. “I’ve got no career money to speak of, so I needed to prove myself,” he said. “I’ve done that, and I’ve even opened the door to a couple of big events next year, including the Senior Majors. I just want to have a solid week and see what happens.”
On the course, his results reflect his steady, measured approach, including T2 at the Reignwood LEgends Championship in China, third place in Germany at the WINSTONgolf Senior Open, T4 at the Staysure Marbella Legends and T5 at the Champions UK Plc European Senior Masters.
With Fichardt’s winning momentum, Drysdale’s season-long consistency, Gallacher’s proven pedigree and Cort’s upward trajectory, the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award race remains wide open. The player who performs best this week on the Legend Course will claim one of the Legends Tour’s most meaningful honours — a recognition not only of an excellent debut season, but of significant promise ahead.
With the likes of Steve Webster and Jamie Donaldson – winners already on the Legends Tour – as well as Johan Edfors, David Howell and Anthony Wall also joining this year, 2025 really has been the year of the debutants.
Play begins today, for more information visit: https://www.legendstour.com/tournament/2025-mcb-mauritius-legends
